Faridabad: Inspector Jagdish Prasad (57), who died while rescuing people trapped on an electric swing that became unhinged and collapsed at Surajkund International Crafts Mela on Saturday, was just two months away from retirement.A native of Mathura, Prasad had been transferred from Sonipat to Palwal on Nov 25 last year. He was appointed station house officer of Chandhut police station a month later. With his superannuation due on March 31, Prasad was recently moved to the police lines and replaced as station house officer. During his career, he was awarded the President’s Medal in recognition of his integrity and courage, officials said. He was assigned duty at the Surajkund Mela on Jan 31 and placed in charge of the amusement rides area. On Saturday, when an electrical swing operating at the fair malfunctioned and tilted dangerously with several riders trapped, Prasad rushed to assist in the rescue. Moments later, the structure collapsed completely, striking him and causing fatal head and facial injuries.Colleagues described him as a committed officer who consistently put duty before personal safety. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. “We are very proud of him. He was always dedicated to his duty and laid down his life while rescuing others,” said his son, Gaurav. “He received the President’s Medal for his honest and brave service.”Prasad joined the Haryana Police in 1989 as a constable and served across Rohtak and Kaithal, spending nearly 25 years at the Madhuban police complex. He was later promoted to the rank of inspector and posted to Sonipat, where he served for over a year before being transferred to Palwal.Haryana cabinet minister Arvind Sharma expressed grief over the incident. In a statement, he said Inspector Prasad “sacrificed his life while rescuing people trapped in the jhula” as it fell out of control, adding that orders had been issued for a thorough inquiry and that strict action would be taken against those responsible.Haryana Police announced a Rs 1 crore compensation for Prasad’s family.Two women police personnel who were also injured during the rescue operation are undergoing treatment, officials said.
